Combination-tool.



J. MIDDLETON.

COMBINATION TOOL.

APPLICATION FILED we. 20, 1909.

976,674. Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

c/O/Zi? Mild [atom awe/Mon Mm I JOHN MIDDLETON, OF NEW BEDFORD, MASSAGHUSET'IS.

COMBINATION-TOOL.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OHN MIDDLETON, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at New Bedford, in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Combination-Tools, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a combination cutting and weaving or crocheting instrument, comprehending particularly a pair of scissors having one of its blades extended to form a weaving or crocheting hook, and means for normally holding the blades of the scissors closed, so that the blades will form the handle or shank of the hook, while the latter will serve as a guard. to prevent injury to the user by contact of the hand or fingers with the point of the other blade.

The object of the invention is to provide an implement of this character which affords convenience in the operation of weaving or crocheting and cutting the threads employed as occasion requires, and which also permits of the use of the scissors for ordinary purposes, the means for holding the blades normally closed also acting to maintain the blades of the scissors in proper relation when closed even in the event of the loosening of the pivot of the blades, so as to avoid relative displacement of the parts from wear.

The invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved combination implement, the blades thereof being shown in closed position. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the blades in open position. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the blade closing spring.

Referring to the drawing, 1 and 2 designate the blades of a pair of scissors, which may be of ordinary form, and which are pivotally connected by a pivot pin, screw or rivet 8 and provided with rearwardly extending shanks 4 having loops 5 as usual for the insertion of the thumb and one of the fingers of the hand in manipulating the scissors.

In accordance with my invention, one of the blades of the scissors, in the present instance, the blade 2, is provided with an extension 6 constituting a weaving or crochet- Speeification of Letters Patent.

Application filed Argust 20, 1809.

Patented Nov. 22, 1919.

Serial No. 513,816.

ing hook curved upwardly beyond the cutting edge of said blade and in the reverse direction to the back edges of the blades, which latter when closed form a handle or shank which is grasped by the operator in the operation of using the hook.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that a single implement is provided embodying a pair of scissors and a hook for the purpose described, which admits of the independent use of the scissors for ordinary purposes, and the independent use of the book 6, and in which the scissors are at the same time always conveniently effective for use in cutting the threads or yarn used in the weaving or crocheting operation ascircumstances require, thus reducing to a material extent time and labor in weaving or crocheting an article, as well as increased convenience in providing a single tool for the purpose over the necessity of the oper ator employing independent tools.

In order to hold the blades normally closed, so that the device can be readily employed in weaving or crocheting, as well as to prevent relative displacement of the blades in the event of loosening or wear of the pivot 3, a closing spring is provided consisting of a Ushaped strip 7 of spring metal. This strip has its arms 8 arranged in parallel relation so as to fit easily between the shanks 4 of the blades, and these arms are formed with integral portions which are bent outwardly and laterally from one of the longitudinal edges thereof to provide sleeves or bands 9 which embrace the shanks 4L and thus secure the spring in operative position.

The bight or return portion of the spring is arranged at the forward end of the strip and lies immediately in rear of the body portions of the blades, so as to permit the arms 8 to be spread when the loops 5 are forced apart to permit ready opening of the blades. When the outward pressure upon the loops 5 is removed, the spring reacts and its arms approach each other and return to normal position to automatically close the blades.

It will be apparent that by the described construction of the spring any possibility of the accidental opening of the blades while the device is being used in weaving or crocheting, and consequent danger of injury to the operator, is avoided, and the necessity of the operator resorting to the inconvenient action of holding the blades closed in such use of the tool obviated, and that by the forward extension of the hook beyond the point of the blade 1 said hook serves as an efiective guard to prevent possibility of a hand or finger of the operator coming in contact with the point of the latter named blade and being injured. Furthermore, the spring keeps the blades of the scissors in proper relation at all times for an effective cutting action, and permits the same to be employed for any of the ordinary purposes for which scissors are employed.

Having thus fully described the invention, what is claimed as new, is

1. A device of the class described comprising a pair of pivotally connected blades provided with shanks and actuating handles,

a hooked extension projecting from the outer end of one of the blades, and a spring arranged between and connecting the shanks of the blades, said spring serving to hold the blades normally closed and adapted to permit of a free opening movement thereof.

2. A device of the class described comprising a pair of pivotally connected blades provided with shanks and actuating handles, a hooked extension projecting from the outer end of one of the blades, and a U-shaped spring arranged between the shanks with its arms bearing thereon, and having said arms provided with integral fingers bent to form clasps engaging the shanks and connecting the spring thereto, said spring serving to hold the blades normally closed and adapted to permit the free opening movement thereof.

3. A device of the character described comprising a pair of pivotally connected blades provided with shanks and actuating handles, and a spring comprising a U-shaped strip of sprin metal having its bite portion arranged etween the forward ends of the shanks and its arms extending rearwardly and bearing against the inner sides of the shanks, said arms being formed with integral fingers bent to form clasps surrounding the shanks and connecting said arms thereto, said springs serving to hold the blades normally closed and adapted to permit free opening movement thereof.

4. A device of the character described comprising a pair of pivotally connected blades provided with shanks and actuating handles, a hooked extension projecting from the outer end of one of the blades, and a U- shaped spring arranged between the shanks and having clasps engaging the same, said spring serving to hold the blades normally closed to form a handle for said extension. In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN MIDDLETON. Vitnesses ROBERT PARKINSON, J osnrn SINGLETON. 

